SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Two people have been charged following a raid on a spa that was allegedly a front for prostitution.
The three-month investigation involved the South Brunswick Police Department (SBPD), the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, according to a statement released by the MCPO and SBPD on Nov. 21.
Police received information in August that suspects had set up a business called Asian Pearly Spa at 2525 Route 130 and were allegedly using it for prostitution, according to the statement.
Detectives conducted surveillance and determined that the prostitution was allegedly being conducted at the business. Detectives determined that some of the workers at the spa were reportedly taking buses out of New York City to come to the business.
Detectives executed a search warrant on Nov. 16. As a result, police charged Li Zhang, 47, of New York City, and Ying Wen Mina, 49, of New Brunswick, with promoting prostitution. They were released on a summons pending their first court appearance, according to police.
The business was shut down and police seized $823 cash, a 2010 Lexus, a flat screen TV and numerous office items, according to the statement.